SPL closes in on long-awaited deal for new league structure
GLASGOW: Finally the Scottish Premier League has confirmed that plans are in place to restructure the league in time for the 2013-14 season.
A single merged league of 42 clubs, with the divisions split in a 12-10-10-10 divisional structure has been discussed in a meeting at Hampden Park.
The SPL statement read: “At an all-club meeting earlier today at Hampden Park, the 12 Scottish Premier League clubs unanimously agreed on a package of measures that would deliver a merged league in time for season 2013/2014.
“The principles include:
· a single merged league of 42 clubs, in line with the stated preference of SFL1 clubs
· a 12-10-10-10 divisional structure
· an all-through distribution model involving substantial redistribution to the second tier
· a ‘pyramid’ for the entire game
· play-offs involving team 11 in the SPL and teams 2, 3 and 4 in the division below
“A formal proposal to deliver the above will be brought back to the SPL clubs for voting this month.
“The SPL looks forward to working with the Scottish FA and Scottish Football League to deliver vibrant change for the game as a whole.”
Chairman Ralph Topping said: “I am pleased that SPL clubs have today agreed on a way forward for the game in this country.
“We have tremendous sympathy with the SFL1 clubs and their plight and with their shared ambition for a 42-club solution.
“Much work needs to be done in a short space of time to achieve our objective of a single merged league this summer. But, where there is a will, there is a way. The time for action is now.”
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